Chaminade's best season ends without title

Lions swept by powerful Holy Trinity

Lakeland — For the Chaminade-Madonna volleyball team, it's been a season of highlights.

A district title, a regional championship and finally, a berth in the state tournament.

Unfortunately for the Lions, there will be no state title.

Melbourne Holy Trinity used a powerful rotation filled with strong hitters to earn a 25-14, 25-20, 25-18 sweep of Chaminade-Madonna in a Class 3A state semifinal match Wednesday at the Lakeland Center.

The loss snapped Chaminade's streak of eight wins but even in disappointment, there was pride.

"It meant a whole lot to us," said Lions outside hitter Ashley Rey. . "For the seniors, this was our last chance to play volleyball because some of us won't play in college, so this is a hard loss. But we have to appreciate that we got here."

Holy Trinity, which was also making its first appearance at the state tournament, had a clear height advantage at the net and it used that to quickly establish control.